David Huffwon tonight’s Player of the Game award with a score of 6.72. You couldn’t have asked for a much better start from Huff. Huff pitch six shut-out innings, giving up just 3 hits. This is Huff’s fourth award of the year.

Feathers Up

The Indians did not provide much offense tonight, but it was enough to support David Huff’s great start. The first Tribe run came in the bottom of the 6th inning when Kosuke Fukudome hit a double, scoring Ezequiel Carrera from first. The second run came in the bottom of the 7th inning when Carlos Santana powered a ball over the fence in right-center field.

Even though the Mafia gave up a run, the Tribe bullpen did not give up the narrow 2-run lead. Pure Rage Chris Perez closed the game in the 9th with a 1-2-3 inning with 2 strike outs. Chris Perez now has 30 saves this season.

Feathers Down

Jason Donald was a late scratch today with a contusion on his index finger. Cord Phelps took his spot in the lineup.

Congratulations, Brandon McCarthy, for getting a new career high for strike outs in a game. The A’s starter struck out 10 Indians hitters in 8 innings.

After a great weekend crowd for the return of Jim Thome, attendance was pathetic tonight. It could be because the excitement for Thome’s return has worn off. It may also be due to the fact that today was the first day of school for many Ohio kids. Just from reading a few Tweets over the weekend, it is obvious that big crowds pump up the players. If we truly are in a pennant race, the attendance numbers do not show it.